In April I wrote a newsletter issue on things every leader/communicator should always do, and then another on things a communicator should never do. And then I had a great time writing Jones, the villain in the WidgetCo story who did all of the bad things, save one (which I saved for Arun, the co-founder).
One should never be a narcissist. Jones was the poster child for narcissism. One should never be unpredictable. One should never wing it. Jones did both when he delivered an unsanctioned talk at a conference. A great communicator doesn’t lose control of their emotions, but Jones did it on the daily. A great communicator also doesn’t blow off feedback, but Jones reacted to Monica’s by storming out of the building.
If you want to see all the ways a horrible communicator does damage at a company, look at Jones, or look at the people who behave like Jones in your own organization.
Finally, there was one person in the WidgetCo story who wasn’t a villain, but wasn’t conscious of how his actions impacted others. Arun, the co-founder, delegated his essential leadership role and just didn’t help when the company was in trouble. At the end of the story (spoiler alert), he realizes the error of his ways and changes.
Bad communicators can do so much damage. To companies, to stock prices, to careers, to lives. Don’t be like Jones. Be a great communicator.
Not sure how to crush your next presentation? Navigate tough questions? Need some pragmatic, actionable communications advice? Consider Office Hours with Lisa, a great way to get bite-sized, personalized coaching. And there are tons of resources in poseycorp’s newsletter – subscribe here. Get some skills! Because it’s the great communicators who create the change they want to see in the world!
